Name: Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked egg noodles; 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast; 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup milk; 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz); 2 tablespoons melted butter

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If you crave comfort food that brings big smiles and even bigger flavor, this Chicken Noodle Casserole is about to become a staple in your kitchen. Picture hearty egg noodles and juicy chicken, all wrapped in a creamy, cheesy sauce and finished with a buttery, crisp cracker topping. It’s a dish that somehow manages to taste like childhood and home-cooked love—with minimal effort and tons of cozy vibes. This recipe makes dinner as easy as it is irresistible, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just need leftovers that actually excite you the next day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This list is beautifully straightforward and every ingredient plays a starring role. From the savory, comforting base to the golden topping, each element gives Chicken Noodle Casserole its signature warmth and crave-able texture.

Cooked egg noodles: Their soft texture soaks up all that creamy goodness—don’t overcook them!
Cooked, shredded chicken breast: Perfect use for leftovers or a quick rotisserie chicken pick-me-up.
Frozen peas and carrots, thawed: They add a lovely pop of color and a hint of natural sweetness.
Shredded cheddar cheese: This brings just the right amount of melty richness.
Sour cream: Adds a subtle tang and makes the whole dish luxuriously creamy.
Milk: Helps thin out the sauce so it coats every bite.
Cream of chicken soup: A shortcut for deep, savory flavor without the fuss—classic casserole magic!
Garlic powder: Lends gentle warmth and depth to the sauce.
Onion powder: Balances all the flavors, quietly working its magic in the background.
Salt: Keeps everything savory and truly sings alongside the cheese.
Black pepper: For a subtle kick that wakes up the flavors.
Crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz): The essential crunchy crown for your casserole.
Melted butter: Makes the cracker topping that much more golden and delightful.

How to Make Chicken Noodle Casserole

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it warms up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a touch of oil or nonstick spray. This quick step ensures easy scooping later and guarantees nothing sticks—because no one wants to waste even a single bite of Chicken Noodle Casserole!

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a spacious bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, shredded chicken, thawed peas and carrots, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, milk, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is creamy, cohesive, and every noodle is smothered in deliciousness. Don’t worry if it looks extra saucy—the pasta will absorb some of that creaminess during baking.

Step 3: Fill the Baking Dish

Pour your chicken-noodle blend into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly so you’ll get those perfect layers and a golden crust with every square.

Step 4: Make That Crunchy Topping

In a small bowl, stir together the crushed buttery crackers and melted butter until the crumbs are fully coated. Sprinkle this mixture generously and evenly across the casserole. This will toast up into a golden, buttery blanket that’s undeniably the best part.

Step 5: Bake to Bubbling Perfection

Pop the casserole in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center is bubbling and the top is golden brown and crisp. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving so you don’t burn your mouth—and, to be honest, it slices up even better once it’s cooled just a touch.

How to Serve Chicken Noodle Casserole

Garnishes

Sprinkle your Chicken Noodle Casserole with a little more shredded cheddar, a pinch of fresh parsley, or even some chopped chives right before serving. These bright and colorful toppings make each plate look extra inviting and add a pop of fresh flavor to balance the creamy richness.

Side Dishes

For a classic homestyle meal, pair this casserole with crisp green beans or a fresh garden salad—the greens offer a lively crunch next to the soft, savory casserole. Warm bread rolls are always a winner too, perfect for sopping up any extra sauce and making mealtime feel complete.

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking individual portions in small ramekins for a charming dinner-party vibe, or serve big hearty scoops in wide, shallow bowls with a side of brothy soup for ultimate comfort. Leftover Chicken Noodle Casserole also makes fantastic next-day “melt” sandwiches—just tuck it between slices of toasted bread and grill until golden!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Noodle Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge. Once cooled, cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer portions to airtight containers. It’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to 4 days, making lunch or dinner as easy as a quick reheat.

Freezing

This casserole is a freezer superstar! Assemble everything except the cracker topping, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, add your buttery cracker topping, and cook as directed for a fuss-free meal.

Reheating

For the best results, warm individual portions in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel, or reheat the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F until piping hot. If the topping lost some crunch, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two to revive that golden crispness.

FAQs

Can I use any other type Main Course

Absolutely! While egg noodles are the classic choice for their soft, springy texture, rotini, penne, or even macaroni will all work well. Just keep an eye on cooking times so your pasta isn’t overdone before baking.

What type of chicken works best for Chicken Noodle Casserole?

Any cooked and shredded chicken will work—leftover roast, a quick poached breast, or even store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience. Dark or white meat is all delicious in this creamy, homey bake.

Can I add extra vegetables to Chicken Noodle Casserole?

Definitely! Feel free to mix in what’s on hand—try frozen corn, broccoli florets, green beans, or a handful of spinach. Just be sure any veggies are cooked or thawed so the texture stays just right.

Is there a way to make Chicken Noodle Casserole ahead of time for busy nights?

Yes! Assemble the casserole up to a day in advance (hold off on the cracker topping) and keep it chilled, covered. When you’re ready to bake, add the topping and bake it off as directed—you’ll have piping hot comfort food with zero fuss.

How can I make Chicken Noodle Casserole a little lighter?

Try using light sour cream and reduced-fat cheese, or swap the cream of chicken soup for a homemade yogurt-based sauce. You can also use whole wheat noodles and sneak in more veggies for extra nutrition without losing any flavor.

Final Thoughts

When you need a meal that feels like a warm hug, Chicken Noodle Casserole is always the answer. It’s easy, budget-friendly, and fills your kitchen with comfort and joy. Treat your loved ones (and yourself!) to this creamy classic—you’ll be reaching for seconds before you know it.

Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole that’s perfect for a family dinner. This easy-to-make dish combines tender egg noodles, shredded chicken, vegetables, and a flavorful creamy sauce topped with a buttery cracker crust.

Ingredients

Scale

Egg Noodles:

3 cups cooked egg noodles

Chicken:

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast

Vegetables:

1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed

Cheese:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Sauce:

1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup

Seasonings:

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Topping:

1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
2 tablespoons melted butter

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, shredded chicken, peas and carrots, cheddar cheese, sour cream, milk, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Prepare casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
Add topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
Bake: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.